Chief Communications Officer

Mile High United Way is excited to announce an opening for a Chief Communications Officer. We believe in keeping equity at the heart of our work. That starts from within, including intentional application of diversity, equity and inclusion practices that guide how we operate and work within the communities we serve. Ideal candidates have a personal commitment and connection with our mission, vision, and values as seen in our Annual Reports.

Position Title: Chief Communications Officer
Status: Exempt, Full-Time
Salary: $145,000.18 - 150,000.24
Benefits: Our benefits package includes 100% employer-paid premiums on employee only health, dental, and vision plans; 3-6% employer contributions to 401(k); FSAs, employer-paid life/AD&D/LTD insurance; generous PTO, EIB, and holiday benefits; paid parental leave; paid sabbatical leave; EAP; tuition reimbursement program; professional and growth and development opportunities; discounted pet insurance; inclusive bereavement leave; free underground parking; and free electric vehicle charging station.
Location: Primarily based out of our Denver office at 711 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80205. 3 days/week in office, 2 days/week remote
COVID-19 Vaccination: Providing your COVID vaccination card is optional.

In accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the (expected salary for this position is $145,000.18 - 150,000.24 annually. In an effort to increase equity and to avoid unfair bias historically associated with salary negotiations, we do not participate in salary negotiations outside of this stated starting salary range.

How You'll Help

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Communications Officer leads the planning, development and execution of Mile High United Way's (MHUW) communications strategy. Serves as the organization's principal communications counsel and chief spokesperson, responding to media inquiries and press conferences or designating an appropriate spokesperson or source of information. Sets long-range strategic direction to build awareness of and trust in MHUW among donors, volunteers, agencies, community organizations, elected officials and the general public. Leads crisis and issues communications, internal and executive communications, and brand stewardship across every channel. The Marketing Department and the Special Events function report to this position, and the Chief Communications Officer ensures that advertising, campaign and event work advances a single, consistent organizational message. Partners with other departments to integrate their communications needs into the overall communications plan. Supervises the Communications Division staff and serves as a member of the Senior Management Team.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and manage MHUW's integrated communications strategy across earned, owned and paid channels
• Set communications goals, objectives and measures of success
• Develop and advance MHUW's brand and value proposition across all communications
• Develop the annual communications plan for services and programs to meet committed donor needs and expectations
• Develop communications programs that support and reinforce fundraising efforts
• Serve as principal communications counsel to the President and CEO, the Senior Management Team and the Board
• Develop organizational message strategy and ensure a consistent voice across every channel and audience
• Build constant awareness of and participation with MHUW through public and media exposure opportunities
• Serve as chief spokesperson for the organization, or designate a spokesperson, and respond to media requests and press conferences
• Lead crisis and issues communications, including response protocols, message development and executive preparation
• Direct internal and executive communications for staff, board members and volunteers
• Serves as the executive sponsor for digital process innovation
• Map digital capabilities to strategic priorities
• Supervise the creation and production of television and radio broadcast commercials and public service announcements
• Oversee the creation and production of print, outdoor, digital and direct marketing advertising
• Secure and maintain pro bono advertising agency and media relationships
• Maintain effective media relations, including proactive relationships with reporters, editors and producers
• Lead the Marketing Department, ensuring brand, advertising and campaign work advances the organization's communications strategy
• Lead the special events function, overseeing the planning, production and execution of signature, donor and community events
• Ensure event programming, promotional materials and executive remarks align with organizational message and priorities
• Provide direct, day-to-day oversight of the Donor Engagement & Events team, including affinity groups, the Turkey Trot and the annual luncheon, ensuring strong execution and a consistent donor experience across all events and engagement touchpoints
• Partner closely with the Chief Development Officer on strategic direction, budget and goals for this portfolio, keeping events and engagement work fully aligned with broader fundraising priorities
• Manage timelines, logistics and staff performance for the Donor Engagement & Events team
• Initiate research among donors and the general public
• Direct communications and organizational behavior changes based upon research results
• Manage the communications, marketing and special events budgets
• Design, plan and execute integrated communications and marketing campaigns

Additional Responsibilities

• Must be able to cope effectively with deadlines and multiple demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Attend organization events.
• Must adhere to all organization policies and procedures.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Willingness and ability to work non-standard business hours, such as nights and weekends, on an as-needed basis is required.
• Other duties as required

What You'll Need: Education, Experience, and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Minimum of 10+ years' experience in communications, public relations and marketing, including leading a team
• Experience serving as a spokesperson for an organization and managing crisis communications

Specials Skills/Knowledge:

• Superb analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team
• Passionate customer advocacy
• Thorough knowledge of communications, public relations, brand, product and service management principles
• Deep understanding of changing media and market dynamics
• Understand dynamics of community-based fund-raising in non-profits
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage a creative communications, marketing and events program
• Experience working directly with print, broadcast and news media.
• Substantial and progressively responsible experience in, and knowledge of planning, production and management of large, small, high-profile, and less-formal events for diverse and distinguished guests, with the ability to formulate creative ideas, and analyze, evaluate, and negotiate all details reflective of a successful event
• Demonstrated project management, time management, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage details of multiple and complex projects within firm schedules, set priorities that accurately reflect the relative importance of activities or job duties, and effectively carry out event goals in a manner that enhances the brand/image of MHUW
• Leadership skills to provide vision, motivation and guidance to others on the team or throughout the organization.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to express ideas and agreements concisely and persuasively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of constituencies
• Demonstrated integrity, dependability, sound judgment, teambuilding and resourcefulness to establish and maintain collaborative, positive, and effective working relationships with multiple and diverse groups
• Creative thinker
• Willingness/ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects and changing priorities and meet deadlines and respond nimbly to changing deadlines
• Highly organized
• Manage all applicable committees to meet project objectives and timelines
• Coordinate work schedules and projects for department staff as needed, to complete within established time frame

Computer Skills:

• Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint Project)
• Working knowledge of online CRM tools
• Some experience with Adobe Acrobat/Photoshop/InDesign desirable

Working Environment: Ability to work in a collaborative working environment and have the capability to share information and exchange views in order to reach a common understanding.

Physical Activities: Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

Ready to apply? If you are on Mile High United Way's website, you can apply by completing the information in the "Apply Now" box. If you're on a job board, you can apply through the job board or by visiting the Careers page of our website.

This posting is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.

Mile High United Way is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Mile High United Way does not charge applicants for any step in the hiring process, nor do we request any financial information until the time of hire.

We will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants who have disabilities which hinder their ability to complete the application process. Please contact us at 303-433-8383 to request accommodation in the application process.

We use e-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work.